Using Testuff to Manage Freelance and Remote Software Testing Teams

Using Testuff to Manage Freelance and Remote Software Testing Teams

In last month’s article, we discussed how the software testing industry was ideally suited for globalization. Thanks to cloud technology, it’s possible to assemble a crack team of QA experts from around the globe – all of whom work remotely.

But whether those team members are freelancers, employees, or a mix of both, how do you actively manage them if you never meet face-to-face?

This isn’t a new question. And nearly every SaaS software testing tool tries to address this issue. But at Testuff, we designed our flagship platform with remote teams in mind.

In fact, we had to since most of our own team works remotely.

And after years of experience, we now have a pretty good handle on how to properly “manage” employees and freelancers – even if they work on the other side of the globe.

Let’s take a look.

Recruitment and Preparation

We’ve already written an exhaustive post on how to properly hire and recruit remote testers for each of your projects.

But assuming you’re using the Testuff platform, we recommend that you create projects and open new suites during the recruitment process. Doing so will allow you to get your projects up and running as quickly as possible.

Whether you want your teams to create the tests repository, run tests, report bugs, or any combination of these possible tasks, you can grant this access under controlled conditions and with appropriate restrictions.

Testuff also allows teams to create “title-only” tests with minimal details. This can be handy for getting projects off the ground quickly.

At any time, your remote teams can easily edit tests, adding detailed steps, adjusting/adding different attributes, rules, and parameters – using the “Test Editor”.

2. Test Execution

With repositories and rules properly applied, your teams can then start running tests. Using the “Test Runner”, dedicated specifically for that purpose. This feature also comes with an embedded video recorder for real-time documentation and tracking.

The videos help to minimize unnecessary back-and-forth between testers and developers (remember, we are working with remote teams…). Better still, video recording provides an unambiguous step-by-step record that others can easily follow. This helps to remove confusion, while simultaneously improving the defect reporting and bug-fixing processes.

The end result is that you save both time and money.

3. Defect Reporting

Testuff makes it very easy to share bugs with developers. In addition to the video documentation (mentioned above), the tool also comes with screenshot features, advanced reporting tools, and the ability to take copious notes.

It’s best to train your teams how to properly document each defect. Doing so will make it easier for developers to re-create all found bugs on their end.

So again – less back-and-forth is involved.

But as an administrator, there are additional steps you should take to help facilitate this entire process.

Managing Software Testing Teams from a Distance

When managing remote software testers, it’s important that you actively monitor the above steps – especially when working with first-timers (at least, first-timers for you and for Testuff as their test management solution). Tracking and follow-up are essential for achieving optimal results.

And as such, you should regularly:

Review all written tests and video documentation to make sure they mesh with project details

Review all defects – and make sure bug tracker integration is used properly so developers can study and fix these defects without too many questions.

However, managing the testing work-time, and speeding it, is also important – especially when working under tight deadlines.

Fortunately, Testuff excels at time management. The platform comes with anything you need to keep track of your estimations and the actual time spent. “Estimated Time” attribute is available on tests, and the “Actual Run Time”, of tests, is automatically stored. Specific reports for time management are included. There’s even an automatic setup for estimating testing time based on past average actual time. With good time management, you can adjust your schedules, share testing assignment wiser, tighten budget, and give accurate and correct feedback to testers.

Because of our Web interface, you can manage all of this through a simple online dashboard. Better still, we continue to support more and more languages – which can be ideal if your team members hail from different backgrounds. In addition to English, Testuff also has an interface for French, Spanish, German, and Russian speakers. And we plan on adding even more languages in the coming years.

Making Remote Team Management Even Easier

This is the workflow we use for our own projects. And based on community feedback, it sounds like many Testuff users follow a similar approach.

But are there any “remote team” management features or options you’d like to see added in the future?